Teeth grinding and CMD: causes, conse­quences & treatment

Teeth grinding, bruxism: What is it?

Bruxism is a common disorder where people unconsciously clench or grind their teeth due to excessive activity in the jaw muscles. It can happen both during the day and while asleep, and involves the lower jaw tightening and shifting out of its natural resting position. This subjects the teeth to repeated or constant contact, an action which would normally only be required to chew food.

Cranio-mandibular dysfunction (CMD)

The jaw joint plays a vital role in our daily lives: It needs to function flawlessly so that we can move our mouths correctly to speak, chew and swallow. A disruption in the coordination between the jaw joint and chewing muscles can lead to pain, dizziness and other symptoms, a condition known as cranio-mandibular dysfunction (CMD). This dysregulation of the muscles, tendons and joints is closely linked to teeth grinding and often appears for the first time between the ages of 20 and 40.

Causes of teeth grinding and CMD

The causes of teeth grinding and CMD are varied, and people can’t always identify a specific trigger for their symptoms. Common causes include:

Psychological factors

• stress
• psychological disorders
• anxiety disorders
• depression

Dental problems

• misalignment of the teeth or jaw
• abnormal bite and resulting imbalances

Other possible causes

• sleep disorders, such as sleep apnoea syndrome
• certain medications
• genetic predisposition
• smoking

Effects of teeth grinding

People who persistently grind their teeth and possibly suffer from CMD may experience short-term or long-term health consequences:

Acute psychological and physical symptoms

• head, neck or back pain
• ear pain or tinnitus
• jaw pain
• muscle tension in the face and neck
• restricted jaw movement

Long-term effects on dental health

• erosion of tooth enamel
• increased tooth sensitivity
• cracks or fractures in the teeth
• loosening of the teeth
• problems with fillings and dental restorations

Is teeth grinding dangerous?

Occasional or temporary teeth grinding doesn’t usually have serious consequences. However, chronic grinding can cause significant problems if not adequately treated. Besides damaging dental health, it can also lead to chronic pain like persistent and severe headaches that ultimately affect daily functioning.

Teeth grinding in children and babies

Children and babies sometimes grind their teeth as well. In toddlers, this is often a temporary phase related to teething. It may be caused by:

How is teeth grinding treated?

Since tooth enamel is under significant strain during teeth grinding, a common solution is a custom-made plastic mouthguard (occlusal splint), worn on the upper or lower jaw. The thin plastic layer prevents direct tooth contact, protecting the teeth from excessive wear and tear. In addition, the mouthguard also slightly adjusts the patient’s jaw position, which reduces muscle activity and relieves joint pain.

Exercises for teeth grinding

Relaxation exercises for the jaw can help with teeth grinding. We show you how to perform these exercises without the need for aids.

Therapy options

When teeth grinding causes tension or even pain, supportive physiotherapy – such as manual therapy, cold or heat therapy – can be effective. Other options include relaxation techniques, such as the Jacobson progressive muscle relaxation technique, which can help sufferers learn how to “loosen up” again. Some patients also benefit from a biofeedback procedure or biofeedback-supported cognitive behavioural therapy.

Botox for teeth grinding?

In cases where mouthguards, physiotherapy and other treatments provide insufficient relief, therapists sometimes turn to Botox. It’s injected into the jaw muscle, usually the masseter muscle, to relax the jaw. However, its success in relaxing muscles and easing pain only lasts a few months, resulting in the need for regular repeated treatments, which can eventually cause damage to the jawbone. Because Botox hasn't been approved as a therapy for teeth grinding or CMD, this practice falls under “off-label use”.

Everyday tips & home re­medies for teeth grinding

• Relaxation techniques
  
  • conscious jaw relaxation
  • meditation and mindfulness training
    
  • progressive muscle relaxation
• Dietary changes
  
  • reduce caffeine and alcohol consumption
  • eat a balanced diet for healthy muscles and joints
• Food supplements
  
  • magnesium can help relax muscles
  • vitamin B complex supports the nervous system
• Sport and exercise
  
  • reduce stress with regular physical activity
  • loosen the neck and jaw muscles with stretching exercises
• Digital support
  
  • apps such as medicalmotion can aid recovery